Tuesday, November 13, 2012

My Little Liturgist

On the way home from Joshua's birthday dinner tonight, I was reminiscing about his first few days of life.

Me: "Joshua I can't believe you're seven!"

Joshua: "Mom, it's just seven!"

Me: "I know, but when you were born I thought my life had come to an end. You cried all the time! You were so needy. I didn't know what to do with you. I'd never been around babies before. I'd never been around someone so needy before..."

Clare: "I guess you heard the cry of the needy!"

Long pause as Jay and I stare at each other

Me: "How do you know about the cry of the needy?"

Clare: "From where we ask God to forgive us!"

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.